Thursday, August 28, 2008

Creative Back-Log

Well I haven't had a lot of time for crafting lately my little guy is teething and hasn't been sleeping great.  I have a whole pile of stuff waiting to get put together and some new ideas to try out too.  

Payton is about to turn 1 in September and I am going to try my hand at making him a special birthday shirt.  I saw some great 1st birthday shirts on Etsy that really inspired me to make one of my own.  

I am hoping to get some crafting time in over the long holiday weekend and will post my efforts!

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Bento Boxes



Thank you so much Crafty Daisies for your post today about Bento Boxes!  After reading it this morning I did my own research and am now obsessed.  I have been looking at boxes online and I just can't make up my mind on what kind I would want to get... there are so many great possibilities based on size, color, tote-ability (a word?).  It's so hard to decide.

And the food combinations.... yum!  There are some great blogs out there dedicated to bento boxes with some very delicious looking recipes.  I can't wait to get my own bento box so I can fill it with all kinds of cute delicious food.  

If you have a bento box or make one for your child's lunch I would be interested to hear about your experience! 

Here are some great blogs about the Bento!


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair


I just found out about this craft fair in Detroit coming in November.  The application submission time just ended on the 15th so I think I am going to check it out this year to see if I might be interested in showing there in 2009.  Here is a little information from the DUCF about the show.  If you are in the Detroit area mark it on your calendar to check out this November.

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is an alternative craft fair featuring 50+ independent, DIY artists and crafters. DUCF exists around a community market feel, encouraging the interaction of maker and buyer, while showcasing a wealth of handmade talent.

The 2008 DUCF is November 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Fillmore Detroit (formerly the State Theatre.)

What does ‘alternative craft fair’ mean?
Simply put, we aren’t your typical arts and craft fair. You won’t see country crafts, painted saws or jams n’ jellies at our fair. You will, however, see rock star nightlights, recycled t-shirt tote bags and vegan lip-gloss.

What type of stuff will be there?
Clothing, accessories, bath and body products, stationery, zines, toys, baby stuff, art, household accessories, jewelry, recycled and sustainable crafts and more.

Who is running this thing?
DUCF is run by Handmade Detroit, an urban craft collective for people who like to make stuff. Handmade Detroit exists to create community and opportunities around Detroit’s DIY makers. Our web site features connective information for crafters and more about our mission. Check it out at handmadedetroit.com.

There is also an etsy site that you can check out to support the fair at handmade.etsy.com.

Monday, August 18, 2008

I've Been Featured


Take a peak, The Sweet Things Gingham Cupcake Pillow has been featured on All Things Cupcake.  Thank you guys so much for the feature!




Last Chance!

To get 15% off select Sweet Things Hand-Crafted items! Sales ends after today.

PLUS, there is still one mystery gift available!

Friday, August 15, 2008

New Recipes

My husband says that I have been really "on" this week with my cooking.  I had some stuff in the freezer that I wasn't sure how I wanted to use.  It forced me to get a little creative and inspired some original recipes.  I am posting them here for your enjoyment, I did not take pictures of my efforts but as my husband is a very picky eater so I can assure you that they are both very good.

Mexican Pizza 

Pre-made pizza dough (I use a frozen dough, let thaw in the fridge overnight) 
1 can refried beans 
1 jar salsa (I used a peach & chipoltle salsa)
1 small can of corn 
1 pound ground turkey with taco seasoning (by Jennie O)
1-1/2 cups shredded mexican cheese (I used Weight Watchers Shredded Mexican Cheese) 
Pam cooking spray 

Spray a cookie sheet with Pam cooking spray (I used a 13" x 9" pan).  Stretch your dough and place on the cookie sheet.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Brown the ground turkey in the skillet.

While the turkey is browning, spread the refried beans on the cookie dough to your desired thickness.  Top with your salsa and corn spreading evenly.  

Once turkey is done spread evenly on top of the corn and finish with your shredded cheese.

Place in the oven and bake for 14 minutes and enjoy!

Crockpot BBQ Chicken 

1 full chicken (I think mine was about 6 lbs or so) 
2 cans of chicken broth 
Salt 
Pepper
Garlic salt 
Mrs. Dash 
Poultry Seasoning
BBQ sauce 

Rinse off the chicken and put it in the crockpot, pour in the chicken broth.  I just eyeball the seasoning based on our personal taste.  Cover the chicken with the seasonings and top with a generous amount of BBQ sauce.  Try to cover the entire chicken.

Set the crockpot to low for 8-10 hours and sit back and wait for delicious.  By the time the timer goes off the chicken should be falling off the bone.



Thursday, August 14, 2008

Etsy Finds: Cupcakes

Etsy is really a great site, and I think I might have become addicted in the short time since I joined this group.  I log on here and there just to see how my views are coming and I find myself on the treasury, and then looking at one treasury item and then another and then a blog which leads me to a new shop which inspires a search and then on to the forums, chats etc.... next thing I know it's way past my bedtime and the baby is up again looking for a snuggle.  

There are just so many great things to look at on Etsy (eye candy if you will) that I thought I would start posting some of my favorites from time to time.  So here is my 1st set of favorites, my inspiration was cupcakes... enjoy!

Dancing Cupcakes Print by modernradar


Inspired by vintage advertising imagery, I drew these little cupcakes years ago on a whim, and they have been a shop favorite ever since. Great for a kitchen or kids room! The image is a 3 color screenprint which I printed by hand. The paper is heavyweight archival 140 lb. Canford Card. The print size is 8" x 10" and can also be matted to 5" x 7".
 
Everyday Cupcake Cube Wallet Double Snaps, 5 Pockets by florspace


"Eat a delicious cupcake everyday" - Sweetest thing in the world!  My absolute favourite thing in the world - cube wallets! They are cute, practical and create so much conversation!  I've been asked about my wallet (coz I made one of this for myself) so often, I've decided to make some to share! So grab one for yourself!

Kawaii Cupcake Fantasy Necklace by YuraPockyLover

Kawaii Cupcake Fantasy Necklace with assorted colours icing frosted cupcakes fresh from oven still in baking tray!  Baking tray is made of plastic.  Baking Tray: 4.4cm x 3.4cm  Ball Chain Necklace: approx 20 inch

Original Mini Watercolor Painting Nerdy Cupcake by Jessie Oleson 


Cakespy's mission is to spread happiness and sweetness through the world through joyful little pastries. Why not add some sweetness to your life...or give a sweet gift to a loved one...by buying one of our original pen and ink / watercolor works? This is part of a new "Mini-series" of paintings, 2.5x3.5 inches and in mini frames. 
This little cuppie is smiling oh so hopefully at you--with a mouth full of braces and a pocket full of pocket protector! He really wants to be buddies!

Boutique Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcake Earrings by Bunny Beads Boutique

Chocolate and Stawberry Cupcakes! Freshly baked for you!  We have a yummy pair of sweet earrings featuring our hand sculpted polymer clay cupcakes. Chocolate cake with vanilla and strawberry frosting. A cherry on top of each little cupcake.  Deliciously delightful! 
Hand wrapped on sterling silver french hooks.Also available on sterling silver 3mm ball posts or silver plated clip on earrings. Note: You must specify your ear wire choice by convoing us otherwise we will ship the earrings as pictured.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Completed Projects

I haven't posted anything new to Etsy in a while but I have been completing some home projects.  And now that they are finished I am ready to stat some new Etsy projects.... well when I can find some time again.  My son is 11 months now and is VERY active.  He learned to walk about a month ago and is not napping as much now so it's hard to get in as much Mom time for crafting.  But we have been having a blast playing together.  I think this is my favorite age so far.

So here is my finished cup cozy or my cup sweater as I like to call it, ha.  It has worked out really well, it keeps my tea warm and my fingers from getting singed :)  Now I am working on a second one and am going to try some button hole closures.  It's looking really good so far and if it turns out I might be starting a line for Etsy.


I also finished a trailer birdhouse for my front yard.  The top and bottom are decoupaged with some pretty scrapbook paper that I had hidden away.  I think that it turned out pretty cute and it brightens up my front yard.  




Friday, August 8, 2008

I've Been Featured


My "Sweet Treats" apron has been featured on All Things Cupcake! This is one of my favorite blogs, great blog to visit for your cupcake news and items. Go check them out to get your sugar fix for the day and see my apron feature while you are there!

Monday, August 4, 2008

THE SWEET END OF SUMMER SALE


The Sweet End of Summer Sale is going on NOW!!

Select items at Sweet Things Hand-Crafted Designs are now 15% off. The 1st two summer sales shoppers will receive a free sweet mystery gift in addition to their purchase! The purchase does not have to be a sale item to count for the free gift.

Happy Shopping!